A longitudinal examination of a pay-for-performance program for diabetes care: evidence from a natural experiment.

Background: Numerous studies have examined the impacts of pay-for-performance programs, yet little is known about their long-term effects on health care expenses.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the long-term effects of a pay-for-performance program for diabetes care on health care utilization and expenses.

Methods: This study represents a nationwide population-based natural experiment with a 4-year follow-up period under a compulsory universal health insurance program in Taiwan.

A pay-for-performance program for diabetes care in Taiwan: a preliminary assessment.

Objective: To examine the effects of a pay-for-performance (P4P) program for diabetes care in Taiwan.

Study Design: A population-based natural experimental design with intervention and comparison groups.

Methods: Healthcare service and expense data were extracted from the Taiwanese Bureau of National Health Insurance claim files for 2005 and 2006.